Many conditions, illnesses, and injuries can result in a disability or special need. Some affect a single area: physical, sensory, cognitive, communication, or emotional/behavioral. However, many children have multiple impairments, due partly to modern advances in medicine that push premature babies' survival rates beyond the dismal odds of previous generations. It is important to remember that the special need of a particular child is as unique as the child herself. Use the following definitions as starting points to learn how to interact with, challenge, and motivate the wonderful child in your life.